On Saturday, Aug. 12, the Portland Main Street Program presents Beerfest on the Bridge from 3 – 8 p.m. on the historic Veterans Memorial Bridge in downtown Portland.
Constructed in 1890, the bridge offers a historic and exciting entrance into downtown Portland. With the boardwalk and Grand River, Veterans Memorial Bridge has made Beerfest on the Bridge one of the most attractive and talked about festivals in the state.
Portland’s mayor, Jim Barnes, was new to the craft beer community when the planning of this event first happened back in 2014 – 2015. He now understands beerfests are unique from other events and Portland has the perfect spot to bring together fans of craft beer and show off the downtown.
“Portland’s Beerfest on the Bridge provides the opportunity to enjoy the best of Michigan’s craft beer as it should be enjoyed, on a warm summer afternoon, along the banks of a lazy-flowing river, surrounded by a few hundred like-minded beer aficionados,” Barnes said.
This will be the third year of the festival held on the historic bridge. The beerfest will host 12 breweries, a cidery, and a winery with over 50 selections including craft soda for designated drivers.
The featured brewed and fermented beverage providers will be Arbor Brewing Company, Bell’s Brewery, Cranker’s Brewery, EagleMonk Pub and Brewery, Ellison Brewery, Founders Brewing Company, Grand Armory Brewing, Lansing Brewing Company, Leelanau Cellars, Saugatuck Brewing Company, Schmohz Brewery, Steele Street Brewing, The Gallery Brewery and Uncle John’s Hard Cider.
There will also be a couple exclusive options. Cranker’s Brewery will be debuting its Hoppy Habanero; Schmohz Brewery will be infusing its Bonecrucher Stout with Ice Cream,; and, in collaboration with Saugatuck Brewing Company, the Portland Strong Series will be making its return this year with Portland Strong Rhubarb Red Rye Ale. Eric Proctor, the event’s organizer and promoter, said the Portland Strong Beer is a way to remember and celebrate the community.
“After the tornado hit in the summer of 2015, a lot of eyes were on our community as we came together to clean up and rebuild,” Proctor said. “#PortlandStrong was born and we decided to pay homage by creating a beer to commemorate the events following that day in June.”
It’s not just about the beverages though. There will be live music and a selection of food options from Sweet Caroline’s BBQ and Catering, Nolo’s Soul and Maria’s Tacos.
Tickets are $40 for VIP entry, which includes an extra hour of the beerfest (with entry at 2 p.m.), a logo tasting glass and 15 tasting tickets – 3 oz. each. The regular, advance ticket includes a logo tasting glass and 10 tasting tickets – 3oz. each. Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate on the day of the festival for $35. Save $5 per ticket by purchasing tickets before August 12. Advance tickets are also available at the Portland Party Store, where ticket purchase will include a free Beerfest on the Bridge pint glass while supplies last.
For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets, visit beeronbridge.com[imabeerhound.us4.list-manage2.com].
SOURCE: PRESS RELEASE
